Building a tree house is the type of activity that families have engaged in for generations. It represents one of the purest, most perfect DIY projects there is, especially as the weather starts warming up outside. It's also a job that requires a great deal of planning and preparation, however, which is why there are three essential MRO supplies and other products you'll want to make absolutely sure you have at the ready before your project begins.
1. The Perfect Power Drill
If you really want to make sure that your tree house A) brings the vision you've always had in your head to life in stunning detail, and B) does so in the safest way possible, one of the most critical items to have at the ready is a trusty power drill.
The right power drill will not only help cut down on any fatigue you may experience, but it also makes the connection sturdier and makes sure that the work gets done faster. Not only that, but even once your tree house is complete having a power drill will be useful for most projects around the house - especially those that involve working with wood.
Basically, this is one purchase you can make with confidence because you know it's an item you'll be using again and again for the foreseeable future.
2. Your Tool Kit
Equally important is your toolkit, which is invaluable because you'll still be able to use it around the house long after your tree house project is complete. Building a tree house requires you to do a lot of different types of tasks, from cutting to nailing to measuring to leveling and nearly everything in between. A toolkit provides the essential MRO supplies needed for all of this, making it a versatile purchase to make before your project begins.
Your toolkit will continue to be invaluable around the house long after your tree house construction is completed. The included hammer, measuring tape, leveling equipment, and other items will be useful in a nearly limitless number of situations throughout your life. It's an investment in both the completion of your tree house and in future DIY projects around the house at the exact same time.
3. Extension Cords
Finally and perhaps most importantly, you'll want to make sure that you have quality extension cords available before you begin any tree house construction project. Simply put, extension cords are an absolute necessity when working outdoors. You'll want to buy cords that are long enough to stretch from the outlet to wherever you're working to provide lighting and other electrical-powered safety equipment, to recharge the batteries on that power drill and other tools so you don't have to keep running inside the house.
A word of warning, however: don't try to overload your extension cord by plugging too much into it at one time. Also, never try to plug multiple extension cords together just to give yourself some additional length. If you need a 30-foot extension cord, don't try to get by plugging two 15 footers together - just spend the extra money and buy the 300-foot cord.
According to a recent study conducted by the National Fire Protection Agency, more than 47,000 home fires in the United States every year are caused by electrical failures or other malfunctions like outlet overload. These situations aren't just dangerous on the surface - they contribute to 418 deaths, over 1,500 injuries and more than $1.4 billion in property damage. All of this is to say that you definitely want to make sure you're using a quality extension cord BEFORE your project begins.
Summer Fun
Building a tree house is one of the best DIY projects there is because you and your family can enjoy both the project and the finished product together. Provided that you have the right MRO supplies by your side, you'll be able to enjoy all of the positives of this experience with as few of the potential downsides as possible.
